Olympic Flame travels through St Albans

With just over a week to go until the Olympic Flame travels through St Albans I thought you would welcome an update on St Albans’ plans – just in case you haven’t booked  a short break for next weekend

Here is the news from the St Albans Chamber of Commerce

We have spent the past few months engaging with local residents, businesses, schools and community organisations and I’m delighted to say that St Albans is fully behind the Olympic Torch Relay, the community will be joining us in supporting our inspirational Torchbearers as they carry the Olympic Flame through St Albans.

 We have used a variety of tools to communicate to local people and visitors, examples include posters, leaflets, web information, displays in supermarkets, presentations to groups, engagement with the media, and information to schools. We have contacted residents and local businesses who live and/or trade on or within 100m either side of the Torch Relay Route and have received fantastic feedback.

 We have also established a number of dedicated Torch Relay web pages on the District Council web site www.stalbans.gov.uk/olympic-torch-relay the pages detail the street level route, timings and maps, activities on route, guidance on branding and spectator information etc.

 We have had an overwhelming response from the public which is great; we are expecting the streets to be lined with people to welcome the Torch. To create a buzz along the route we have set up a number of hub sites where people can gather whilst they wait for the Flame to arrive. The hub sites have been supported by local groups and community sports clubs who will be hosting sports activities and demonstrations. We have programmed entertainment and music along the route to complement the activities which are taking place.

 A number of community groups and organsiations are planning their own celebrations on the day, including local churches, pubs and restaurants.

 We have approx 180 volunteers from local sports clubs who will be supporting the events team in marshalling the route and ensuring spectators are informed and safe as the Flame comes through. We are delighted at the support we have received and we could not have staged the event without them.”

Leanne Douglas
Community Development and Projects Manager
St Albans City & District Council